How long is the Arkansas Ozarks Loop: The Natural State Road Trip route?

This route takes 10 days taking in 7 stops.

Where does this route start and end?

The route runs from Little Rock, Arkansas to Little Rock, Arkansas in Arkansas Ozarks and Ouachitas, United States.

When is the best time to travel this route?

The best time to travel this route is April to November: best colour late October.

How active is this route?

Activity level: Active. Moderately active — expect some walking and light physical activity.

What transport do I need for this route?

Any self-driven vehicle works well for this route.

What budget do I need for this route?

Mid-range spending — expect comfortable accommodation and a mix of dining options.

What type of accommodation suits this route?

Mixed accommodation works well along this route.

What is the pace of this trip?

Balanced — a good mix of sightseeing and downtime.

What type of trip is this?

This route is well-suited to: Scenic, Nature, Classic road trip, Adventure, Culture.

Arkansas Ozarks Loop: The Natural State Road Trip

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The route · 7 stops

1
Little Rock
1 night
Arkansas's capital and the loop's gateway, set on the Arkansas River. Pick up the car, walk the River Market district and Riverfront Park, and visit the Clinton Presidential Center before heading southwest. A good first night to settle in before the mountain driving starts.
Arkansas's capital and the loop's gateway, set on the Arkansas River. Pick up the car, walk the River Market district and Riverfront Park, and visit the Clinton Presidential Center before heading southwest. A good first night to settle in before the mountain driving starts.
Fill up and stock snacks here. Fuel and large grocery stores thin out once you leave the city for the mountains.
2
Hot Springs
2 nights1h 21m · 97 km from previous
A spa town wrapped inside Hot Springs National Park, where 47 thermal springs feed the grand bathhouses of Bathhouse Row. Soak at the historic Buckstaff or Quapaw, climb the Hot Springs Mountain Tower for ridge views, then explore the old downtown. Two nights leaves time for the trails as well as the spa.
A spa town wrapped inside Hot Springs National Park, where 47 thermal springs feed the grand bathhouses of Bathhouse Row. Soak at the historic Buckstaff or Quapaw, climb the Hot Springs Mountain Tower for ridge views, then explore the old downtown. Two nights leaves time for the trails as well as the spa.
Book a traditional bath at Buckstaff early in the day. It is first come, first served and queues build by mid-morning.
3
Mount Magazine
1 night1h 38m · 118 km from previous
Arkansas's highest point at 2,753 feet, on the southern edge of the Arkansas River Valley. The state park lodge looks out over the Petit Jean River valley, and the bluffs draw hikers, rock climbers and hang-gliders. A one-night mountain-top base between the Ouachitas and the Ozarks.
Arkansas's highest point at 2,753 feet, on the southern edge of the Arkansas River Valley. The state park lodge looks out over the Petit Jean River valley, and the bluffs draw hikers, rock climbers and hang-gliders. A one-night mountain-top base between the Ouachitas and the Ozarks.
The lodge and cabins sell out on autumn weekends. Reserve well ahead, or stay in nearby Paris or Russellville.
4
Buffalo National River
2 nights1h 47m · 128 km from previous
America's first national river, running free below towering limestone bluffs. Base near Ponca and Jasper for the upper river: paddle calm spring stretches, watch the Boxley Valley elk herd at dawn, and hike to Hawksbill Crag and Lost Valley's waterfalls. Two nights to slow down on foot and on the water.
America's first national river, running free below towering limestone bluffs. Base near Ponca and Jasper for the upper river: paddle calm spring stretches, watch the Boxley Valley elk herd at dawn, and hike to Hawksbill Crag and Lost Valley's waterfalls. Two nights to slow down on foot and on the water.
Last reliable fuel is in Jasper or Harrison. The river roads have no services, so carry water and some cash.
5
Eureka Springs
2 nights58m · 70 km from previous
A Victorian spa town built into steep Ozark hillsides, its entire downtown on the National Register. Wander winding lanes of galleries and historic inns, ride the trolley, cross the 1907 Beaver Bridge, and visit the soaring glass Thorncrown Chapel nearby. Two nights suit the arts scene and the scenic backroads.
A Victorian spa town built into steep Ozark hillsides, its entire downtown on the National Register. Wander winding lanes of galleries and historic inns, ride the trolley, cross the 1907 Beaver Bridge, and visit the soaring glass Thorncrown Chapel nearby. Two nights suit the arts scene and the scenic backroads.
Downtown streets are steep and parking is tight. Use the free trolley or a park-and-ride, and wear good shoes.
6
Mountain View
1 night2h 50m · 204 km from previous
The folk-music heart of the Ozarks and home to the Ozark Folk Center State Park, where artisans demonstrate traditional crafts and musicians gather on the courthouse square most evenings. Tour the underground chambers of Blanchard Springs Caverns nearby. A one-night cultural stop before the run back to Little Rock.
The folk-music heart of the Ozarks and home to the Ozark Folk Center State Park, where artisans demonstrate traditional crafts and musicians gather on the courthouse square most evenings. Tour the underground chambers of Blanchard Springs Caverns nearby. A one-night cultural stop before the run back to Little Rock.
The Ozark Folk Center runs mid-April to mid-November. Impromptu music on the square is free for much of the year.
7
Little Rock
2h 16m · 163 km from previous
Close the loop back in the capital. The easy run south from Mountain View on Highway 5 and US-167 returns you to Little Rock to drop the car or catch an onward flight. Time a final riverfront meal if your schedule allows.
Close the loop back in the capital. The easy run south from Mountain View on Highway 5 and US-167 returns you to Little Rock to drop the car or catch an onward flight. Time a final riverfront meal if your schedule allows.
Allow about two and a half hours from Mountain View, plus stops. Aim to arrive before any evening flight.

Arkansas Ozarks Loop: The Natural State Road Trip

The route · 7 stops

Little Rock

Hot Springs

Mount Magazine

Buffalo National River

Eureka Springs

Mountain View

Little Rock

Route highlights

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Arkansas Ozarks Loop: The Natural State Road Trip

The route · 7 stops

Little Rock

Hot Springs

Mount Magazine

Buffalo National River

Eureka Springs

Mountain View

Little Rock

Route highlights

Photos & videos · 0

No photos yet

Frequently asked questions

Ratings & reviews

Comments · 0

No comments yet

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